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Earlier today, 25 July 2013, the Presidency issued a statement announcing the signing of five bills by President Jacob Zuma into law.
The statement incorrectly stated that the purpose of the Prevention and Combating of Torture of Persons Act 2013 was to:
 
“give effect to South Africa’s obligations as a party to international instruments, such as the United Nations Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children (the UN Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons), which address the issue of trafficking in persons, by bringing its domestic laws in line with the standards set by those instruments.
 
The Bill is a result of an investigation and a report by the South African Law Reform Commission (SALRC) on Trafficking in Persons (project 131).
 

The objects of the Bill are to—
(a) give effect to the UN Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons;
(b) provide for the prosecution of persons and for appropriate penalties;
(c) provide for the prevention of trafficking in persons and for the protection and assistance of victims of trafficking;
(d) provide for effective enforcement measures; and
(e) combat trafficking in persons”

The purpose outlined above is for the Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act, 2013 which is still under consideration by the President.
 
The actual purpose of the Prevention and Combating of Torture of Persons Act 2013 is to:

“give effect to the Republic of South Africa’s obligations in terms of the United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment; to provide for the offence of torture of persons and other offences associated with the torture of persons; and to prevent and combat the torture of persons within or across the borders of the Republic; and to provide for matters connected therewith”.
 
We regret the error.